Interview: Aimee Cooper, ‘Kitty Cassis: Hiya’

26 May

Conducted by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic

As anticipation builds for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, we’re catching up with a range of exciting creatives who are preparing to bring their work to the world’s largest arts festival this August. In this series, we dive into the stories behind the shows, the inspiration driving the artists, and what audiences can expect.

Today we’re joined by Aimee Cooper (Kitty Cassis) who chats with us about their show, Kitty Cassis: Hiya.

1. Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?

The show is called ‘Hiya!’ & the audience are invited into the luxurious setting of a hair & beauty salon waiting room - no appointment needed, walk in’s welcome! My character, ‘Kitty Cassis’ is a blend of all the different women in my childhood, growing up in the North West of England in the 80s. She’s very high energy, glamorous & has no perception of personal space. The show is a homage to those northern working class women who would let themselves in through your side door to bring nail polish & all the local gossip.

2. What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?

Last year I did my show Sitting Pretty with Kitty, which was quite structured with songs, set pieces and video presentation. This year I’m bringing Kitty up & literally letting her off the leash to interact with visiting clients - she’ll metaphorically wax your lip whilst offering unsolicited advice.

3. How would you describe your show in three words?

Chaos, Carnage, Camp

4. What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?

My overall aim is to invite people into Kitty’s weird & wonderful world for an hour. Hopefully a chance to escape the real life sh*t show and escape into experimental beauty treatments, therapy & the latest happenings at the Rotary club.

5. What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?

Kitty’s advice: Eat a Bisto granule encrusted pak Choi daily, it’s a bit pricey but well worth it.

6. Where and when can people see your show?

7:45pm 15th-25th August (not 16th) venue 239 PBH/The Street